OVERVIEW

Diabetes encompasses a group of metabolic diseases that stop the body from producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that processes glucose (sugar) from the blood into the body's cells.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a result of the body's inability to produce insulin due to an autoimmune reaction that causes insulin-producing cells in the pancreas to destruct. This type of diabetes is usually caused by genetic factors or a trigger, and requires the sufferer to inject themselves with insulin.

Type 2 diabetes (often referred to as adult-onset diabetes) is a metabolic disorder where there are high levels of glucose in the blood. Lifestyle and genetic factors can cause this condition. If not kept under control, type 2 diabetes can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and diabetic retinopathy.

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You should always, however, seek specific professional medical advice, treatment and care appropriate to you, and as such we strongly recommend you consult with your general practitioner first.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 111 immediately.